Bill aims to help lowest-performing schools

LANSING, MI (AP)-- A Michigan House panel has approved legislation that would bring more schools under control of a state authority that's designed to boost performance in low-performing schools.

The Republican controlled House Education Committee approved a bill Wednesday that would allow more schools to be added the Education Achievement Authority. The program is currently operating in 15 Detroit schools.

Under this bill, schools could be taken over by the authority if they're in the bottom 5 percent of lowest-achieving schools for three straight years. The number of schools would be capped at 50 schools.

Democrats say the program usurps local control. They say there hasn't been enough time to see if the program in place is working in the Detroit schools.